Kenya and the Netherlands on Tuesday agreed to enhance their cooperation in the agricultural sector.
Visiting Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade Lilianne Ploumen told journalists in Nairobi that both nations' economies are reliant on agriculture.
"We will provide Kenya with high yielding potato varieties so as contribute to efforts to diversify Kenya's food crops," Ploumen said.
The minister said another 39 varieties are awaiting approval by Kenya's agricultural authorities before being released to farmers. She noted that the potato is the main crop in the Netherlands.
The Dutch official added that her country has managed to attain food security despite having limited arable land. "We will share our expertise while at the same time learn from Kenya's experiences and knowledge in agricultural production," Ploumen said.
Food security is a priority for any national development agenda. "Both nations will further study areas where cooperation can be undertaken in order to reap maximum benefits of their citizens," she said.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei said Kenya has identified the potato as a crop that will help the country achieve food security.
"We will make available high yielding seeds to small and large scale farmers as part of efforts to commercialize the agriculture sector. We hope to collaborate so as to establish a potato seed multiplication center in Kenya," Koskei said.
The Kenyan official also identified livestock breeding and aquaculture as areas of potential cooperation.
